Splits and Reconciliations – Nacionalista Party
From 1907 onwards, the Nacionalista Party dominated Philippine politics, its supremacy challenged time and again not only by minority parties but also by factions within it that had become critical of its policies.
The solidarity of the party was first broken in 1922 when Manuel L. Quezon challenged Osmeña on the issue of collective leadership, which he advocated as opposed to what he described as Osmeña’s unipersonal leadership. From that struggle Quezon emerged the victor, remaining as the President of the Senate, with Osmeña as Senate President of Pro-Tempore. Manuel A. Roxas succeeded Osmeña as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In 1924, Quezon and Osmeña reconciled and joined forces in what was denominated the Partido Nacionalista Consolidado against the threat of an emerging opposition from the Democrata Party. The reunited Nacionalista Party dominated the political scene until the second break-up when the members polarized into Pros and Antis in 1934.